That’s what British researchers are proposing after noticing that each dose of the statin medications that combat heart disease offsets about as much risk as a hamburger and a small shake create.

They also observed the perverse incentives of free unhealthy condiments and discounted packaged meals that including fries, shakes and hamburgers — three things that should really never be eaten together — and costly medications.

So what if McDonald’s and Burger King had to pick up the tab for the damage they do to public health with their products by providing a pill with every meal? Would consumers be less inclined to buy the stuff when faced with the dose of reality the pill would introduce?